Nielsen: Clarinet Concerto & Chamber Music for Clarinet

David Shifrin (clarinet), William Purvis (horn), Ryan Reynolds (bassoon), Theodore Arm (violin), Benjamin Hoffman (violin), Jennifer Frautschi (viola), Mihai Marica (cello), Curtis Daily (double bass), Jon Greeney (snare drum)

This delightful and light-hearted album features virtuoso clarinettist David Shifrin performing Carl Nielsen’s Clarinet Concerto in a newly arranged accompaniment for chamber orchestra. The dramatic work unfolds unpredictably in short, contrasting episodes that allow the soloist to explore a range of moods and colours. We are then treated to Nielsen’s charming Six Humorous Bagatelles, written for his children. From the simply put “Hello, Hello” to the final “Musical Clock,” these endearing pieces radiate good humour and adventure. Nielsen’s early Fantasy Pieces with their varying moods and harmonic twists reveal Nielsen’s romantic side, and his Serenata in Vano for wind quintet shows off Nielsen’s affinity for wind instruments and his quirky, playful sensibility.